An all-female grounds team will curate the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval for the first time.
The inaugural AFLW Showdown on Friday 30 September will be one for the history books for many reasons, with an all-female grounds team set to curate the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval for the first time.
Adelaide Oval and the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) have launched a new work experience opportunity for qualified and apprentice female sports turf managers. Four chosen applicants will assist Adelaide Oval Grounds Person Brooke Francis in preparing the playing surface for the historic game.
“Being a part of the first ever AFLW Showdown is exciting as is but leading a female grounds team will make it all the more memorable,” Brooke said.
“It’s great to see the industry creating new opportunities for women and I’m proud that Adelaide Oval continues to play a key role.
“When I joined the Adelaide Oval team in 2019, I was the first ever female grounds keeper – but I certainly won’t be the last.”
The week-long placement is the first to be launched under ASTMA’s Women in Turf Strategy, designed to support skills development and increase access to major opportunities for women in the turf management industry.
It’s an initiative that Adelaide Oval Head Curator Damian Hough has championed in his role as ASTMA Board Director.
One of the world’s top curators, Damian will share his wealth of experience and knowledge with the successful applicants as part of their placement.
“ASTMA’s Women in Turf Strategy is designed to support the next generation of female leaders in this exciting industry,” Damian said.
“Central to that is providing opportunities for these talented turf managers to showcase their work and develop their skills at major venues around Australia, and we’re proud to be kicking things off at Adelaide Oval.
“I look forward to seeing the calibre of applicants and welcoming them to Adelaide Oval for this historic moment.”
Successful applicants will arrive in Adelaide on Tuesday 27 September and undertake the placement from Wednesday 28 September until Saturday 1 October inclusive.
Applications must be received through the ASTMA website by 5:00pm Thursday 15 September 2022.
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